MATTER: International Journal of Science and Technology

ASSESSING SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

2025-05-07T08:58:46+00:00

Environmental sustainability is essential element of the global focus based on 26^th UN climate change conference, 2021. Essentially, recent rapid economic growth in South Africa (SA) has created verifying environmental sustainability. Sequel to this, this study assesses SA economic growth and Foreign Direct Investment, implications for environmental sustainability span over 1986-2022. Environmental Kuznet Hypothesis is the framework adopted for the study using ARDL techniques to assess the long-run connection amid the variables. The findings signify that rises in economic growth creates more carbon emissions, then begins to fall at a particular level, thereby confirming Environmental Kuznet Hypothesis for SA. The causality approach signifies that Foreign Direct Investment, urban population and economic growth contribute significantly to carbon emission threshold in SA. Essentially, future researchers may choose to adapt the study to Sub-Saharan Africa and incorporate one or more control variables.

A STUDY OF SEEPAGE THROUGH HOMOGENOUS EARTH DAMS WITH VERTICAL DRAIN

2025-05-07T06:33:49+00:00

This research paper aims to study the effect of drain vertical on seepage characteristics (free water surface, seepage face length and seepage discharge) through earth dams based an pervious base. This investigation concerns to study the quantity of seepage through homogenous earth dam with the experimental method by sand box model and the using computer program SEEP/W (which is a sub-program of Geo-Studio). Also, the effect of position of filters on seepage characteristic was included, the influence of the conditions of the length of the horizontal drain and the slope of the upstream on the drainage process. It was observed that there is a dependency between seepage flow, the length of the horizontal drain, the water head and the slope of the upstream slope and the best location of drain. Finally a comparative study of the experimental data with results obtained by numerical simulation performed with SEEP/W was carried out.

CURIOSITY-DRIVEN ENGAGEMENT IN CITIZEN SCIENCE: INVESTIGATING GENDER AND MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN INNOVATION AND SELF-EFFICACY

2025-04-29T06:33:21+00:00

This study examines the interrelationship between curiosity, science service innovation, self-efficacy, and the continuation intention in citizen science among 226 undergraduate students in Taiwan, including both Science and non-Science majors. All participants had at least two years of citizen science experience. Using structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis, the study explores how curiosity influences students' intentions to continue engaging in citizen science through the mediating roles of innovation and self-efficacy. Additionally, this research investigates gender differences and variations between Science and non-Science majors in terms of science service innovation and self-efficacy. The findings indicate that both innovation and self-efficacy serve as crucial mediators in the relationship between curiosity and the intention to persist in science-related activities. These results highlight the significance of fostering curiosity, promoting innovative practices, and enhancing self-confidence to sustain student involvement in citizen science initiatives. This study contributes to discussions on effective teaching and learning strategies in higher education by emphasizing the importance of cultivating curiosity-driven engagement. By integrating innovative approaches and strengthening self-efficacy, educators can encourage long-term participation in science-related activities. The findings offer practical insights for designing educational interventions that enhance students' motivation, particularly in science fields. Encouraging curiosity and fostering confidence in scientific endeavors can play a pivotal role in shaping future generations of engaged and innovative contributors to citizen science.

VARIATION OF PHYSICAL AND CINEMATIC PARAMETERS OF FLOWS IN STEPPED CHANNEL

2025-05-07T08:11:26+00:00

The nappe flow regime is divided into three sub-types, characterized by the formation or absence of hydraulic jumps on the bed of the stairs. The skimming flow regime is sub-divided considering the geometry of the steps and the flow conditions that lead to different configurations of the flow fields near the steps. For this, we have made an experimental approach in the laboratory of civil engineering at the University of Laghouat (Algeria), in three (03) models: model A (4cm x 7.5cm 4cmx) and model B (8cm x 7.5cm 8cmx), and the third model C size (12cm x 12 cm x 7.5 cm) developed "Plexiglas." Three slopes were studied in this experiment: a = 20 °, 30 ° and a = a = 45 ° for the three models, with flow rates ranging from q = 0.96 l / s / ml up to q = 33.02 l / s / ml.The purpose of this experimental study is to show the evolution of the velocity profiles in the cross sections of the flows, and pressure variations in the three studied models. The analysis of our results led us to conclude that, The result obtained in the model B and C where the flow is in nappe flow; the pressure field increases in horizontally steps and decreases in vertically steps; this is due to the effect of the impact of the flow on the step; and against the pressure in step is below atmospheric pressure (vacuum). Furthermore, the speeds increase significantly with increasing rate of flow and accelerated more than one moves downstream; In the last, for the skimming flow, longitudinal flow velocity distribution is nearly constant which is shown in the uniform area flow.

STRATEGIC MARKETING PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

2025-05-07T05:52:31+00:00

The reports have shown that pharmaceutical industry operates in a highly competitive and dynamic environment, where strategic marketing practices are crucial for achieving sustainable performance. Despite the increasing relevance, many pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria struggle to adopt and effectively implement strategic marketing practices that align with the ever-changing market conditions. This gap in practice raises concerns about their ability to improve profitability, sales growth, customer satisfaction and market share. Consequently, the study explored strategic marketing practices and performance of pharmaceutical companies in southwest Nigeria. Four research questions were raised, and four hypotheses were formulated in line with the study's objectives. The literature was premised on four (4) theories; Schumpeter theory of innovation, dynamic capabilities theory, stakeholder theory and resource-based theory. Employing a mixed methods research design (MMR) with a survey method and convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 329 individual while in-depth interview were conducted among management teams each from the selected 9 pharmaceutical firms across the three states. Utilizing Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses, strategic marketing practices components (collaboration strategy, product distribution strategy, marketing leadership and innovative leadership) were found to have a significant impact on performance of pharmaceutical companies (profitability, sales growth, customer satisfaction and market share). This was shown in their coefficient of determinations and significant values for the four (4) hypotheses: collaboration strategy and profitability R= 0.832; P=0.000; product distribution strategy and sales growth R= 0.864; P=0.000; marketing leadership and customer satisfaction R= 0.791; P=0.000; innovative leadership and R= 0.804; P=0.000. Therefore, the study concluded that when effective collaboration strategies were put in place by the management of the pharmaceutical firms, there is possibility of increasing the sales revenue is of the firm provision of value to customers and solution to customer’s problem. The study recommended that pharmaceutical companies should try to be versatile in their collaborative strategy in a way so as to build a network with all their stakeholders in order to create value, boost their revenue profile towards the profitability posture of their organisation.